Zoomark Bologna
Published on
16/01/17
Latest news
EPO Participates in the 34th CITES Animals Committee Meeting in Geneva
Geneva, 14–18 July 2026: EPO is participating this week in the 34th meeting of the CITES Animals Committee (AC34), reaffirming its commitment to promoting science-based policymaking, sustainable wildlife trade and responsible pet ownership at the international level. EPO is represented by Dr. Matthew Bond (Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association – OATA), representing EPO's UK member, and Nathalie Gamain, EPO Secretary General. Throughout the meeting, EPO will engage with Parties, intergovernmental organisations, scientific experts and fellow observers on a range of issues of strategic importance for the European pet sector. EPO is also pleased to acknowledge the participation of its President, Svein A. Fosså, who is attending the meeting under his capacity as Vice President of Ornamental Fish International (OFI). This year's meeting marks an exceptional milestone: his 26th consecutive year of participation in CITES meetings—highlighting more than two decades of dedication to international conservation and the sustainable trade of ornamental aquatic species. Contributing Expertise to Key Discussions As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO has developed a comprehensive position paper addressing several agenda items under discussion during AC34. The organisation will actively follow and contribute to discussions on topics including: The role of CITES in reducing the risk of future zoonotic diseases, supporting continued collaboration between CITES and the One Health Quadripartite partners (WHO, WOAH, FAO and UNEP), while sharing the pet sector's expertise on animal transport standards and responsible trade. Sustainable use of wild species and non-detriment findings (NDFs), including discussions relating to the development of practical and science-based approaches for CITES implementation. Coral conservation and trade, where EPO continues to advocate for balanced, science-based solutions and greater dialogue to address the challenges affecting the ornamental aquatic sector, particularly regarding EU import restrictions on certain Australian coral species. Identification and traceability of CITES-listed species, supporting practical identification tools while encouraging the exploration of alternative marking techniques for small-bodied species such as fish, amphibians and reptiles. Trade in specimens not of wild source, encouraging practical improvements to existing CITES provisions and supporting constructive stakeholder engagement during forthcoming technical discussions. Aquatic species, including coral, seahorses and ranching of aquatic species, where EPO and OFI continue to offer their scientific and technical expertise to support future intersessional work. Conservation of amphibians, where EPO has expressed its willingness to contribute expertise concerning species commonly kept within the responsible pet trade. A Constructive Partner for Science-Based Decision-Making EPO believes that effective implementation of CITES relies on close cooperation between governments, scientists, conservation organisations and responsible industry stakeholders. Representing thousands of businesses across Europe through its national member associations and entities from the pet sector, EPO is committed to contributing practical expertise and scientific knowledge to support conservation objectives while ensuring that international trade remains sustainable, responsible and proportionate. Throughout AC34, EPO will continue to engage constructively with Parties and observers, advocating for evidence-based decisions that support biodiversity conservation, animal welfare and responsible international trade.
16/07/26
EPO Participates in the EU High-Level Conference Celebrating 10 Years of the EU Animal Health Law
The conference marked the publication of the European Commission's evaluation of the Animal Health Law and unveiled 11 priority actions to further strengthen its implementation across the European Union. On July 8th, 2026, EPO participated in the European Commission conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of the EU Animal Health Law (AHL). Bringing together around 130 representatives from EU institutions, Member States, veterinary authorities, academia and stakeholder organisations, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on a decade of achievements while discussing the future direction of EU animal health policy. A Decade of Progress under the Animal Health Law The conference was officially opened by Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, who highlighted the strategic importance of animal health in safeguarding public health, strengthening food security and supporting the resilience of Europe's animal sectors through a strong One Health approach. A key milestone of the event was the presentation of the European Commission's evaluation of the Animal Health Law, carried out under the Better Regulation Initiative. The evaluation concluded that the legislation remains fit for purpose, while identifying opportunities to further strengthen its implementation and ensure it continues to respond effectively to emerging challenges. Looking Ahead: 11 Priority Actions Building on the evaluation, the European Commission presented 11 priority actions that will guide the next phase of implementation of the Animal Health Law. These actions are grouped under three strategic pillars: Administrative improvements to simplify procedures and enhance harmonisation across Member States; Veterinary priorities, including stronger disease prevention, preparedness, biosecurity and vaccination; Cross-cutting actions to reinforce the One Health approach, strengthen animal welfare and improve cooperation between competent authorities and stakeholders. Throughout the conference, speakers consistently emphasised the importance of science-based policymaking, effective implementation and close collaboration among public authorities, veterinarians, researchers and stakeholders. These principles were recognised as essential to ensuring that the Animal Health Law continues to protect animal health, public health and the sustainability of Europe's animal sectors. EPO Looks Forward to Continued Collaboration As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO welcomes the European Commission's continued commitment to strengthening the Animal Health Law and ensuring that its implementation remains practical, proportionate and effective. EPO would like to sincerely thank the European Commission Animal Health team for organising such an insightful and well-structured conference. The event successfully celebrated ten years of progress while setting a clear roadmap for the years ahead. EPO looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with the European Commission and all relevant stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the Animal Health Law and to ensure that the expertise and specific realities of the European pet sector continue to be recognised in the development of future EU animal health policies.
10/07/26
EPO contributes to the European Commission's discussion on implementing the new EU rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats
The European Pet Organization (EPO) was pleased to contribute, at the invitation of the European Commission, to the panel discussion dedicated to the implementation of the upcoming EU Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, held during the 19th meeting of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare. As a member of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare, EPO welcomed the opportunity to share its practical expertise and contribute to the discussion on the successful implementation of this landmark legislation. The session brought together representatives of the European Commission, veterinary organisations, breeders, animal welfare organisations, the pet sector and other key stakeholders to exchange views on the practical challenges and opportunities associated with implementing the new Regulation. Representing EPO, Secretary General Nathalie Gamain reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting the implementation of the new legislation. "The adoption of the Regulation marks a significant step forward for animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, consumer protection and the fight against illegal trade. The next challenge is to ensure that the legislation is implemented consistently and effectively across all Member States," she stressed during the discussion. Successful implementation will require cooperation During her intervention, Nathalie Gamain emphasised that the success of the Regulation will depend on close cooperation between competent authorities, veterinarians, breeders, shelters, pet shops, online marketplaces, animal welfare organisations and pet owners. EPO highlighted six key priorities for successful implementation: Harmonised implementation across all Member States; Practical and proportionate implementing and delegated acts; Interoperable identification and registration systems; Effective, risk-based enforcement targeting irresponsible operators while supporting compliant businesses; Economically feasible implementation that encourages compliance; and Continued dialogue between the European Commission and stakeholders throughout the implementation process. EPO also underlined the important role that its members can play throughout the implementation phase by providing technical expertise and practical experience during the development of the delegated and implementing acts, while helping translate the new legal requirements into practical and workable solutions for operators across Europe. Continuing to support implementation As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO remains committed to working constructively with the European authorities and all relevant stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the Regulation. Through its extensive network of national associations and sector experts, EPO will continue to provide practical expertise, facilitate dialogue with operators, contribute to implementation guidance, and share feedback from the sector to help ensure that the new rules achieve their objectives of improving animal welfare, strengthening traceability, combating illegal trade, and creating a level playing field for responsible operators across Europe. EPO looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the EU authorities throughout the implementation phase of this important legislation.
29/06/26
EPO at Interzoo 2026: Watch the "Meet the Experts" Interview
EPO is pleased to share the recording of the Meet the Experts interview held during Interzoo 2026, featuring EPO President Svein Fossa and Secretary General Nathalie Gamain. The interview provides an overview of EPO's mission as the voice of the pet sector at European level, and highlights the organisation's work in representing its members before the European institutions. It also explores the current legislative and policy developments affecting the sector, including the implementation of the new EU Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, as well as the opportunities and challenges ahead for pet businesses across Europe. The discussion underlines the importance of constructive dialogue between policymakers and the pet sector to ensure that European legislation is both effective and practical for all stakeholders. 🎥 Watch the full interview here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMF05QWj0mk EPO would like to thank Antje Schreiber, ZZF Head of Communications and Education, and more generally ZZF for the opportunity to participate in the Meet the Experts series and for providing a platform to present the work and priorities of the European pet sector.
25/06/26